Allegiant Travel(ALGT) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report

Fleet and Operations - The company operates a fleet of 122 Airbus A320 series aircraft, selling travel on 573 routes to 125 cities as of February 1, 2023[18]. - The airline's operating cost per available seat mile (CASM), excluding fuel, was 7.33 cents in 2022, which is 25% lower than the industry average of 9.77 cents[39]. - The company operates 573 scheduled routes, including 571 currently served and two new routes announced for 2023, with a focus on leisure destinations from underserved cities[58]. - The airline's operating fleet consists of 122 Airbus A320 series aircraft, with an average age of 14.8 years as of February 1, 2023[161]. - The company expects to purchase 50 Boeing 737MAX aircraft, which are projected to burn up to 20% less fuel per passenger compared to older Airbus A320 aircraft[74]. Financial Performance - Ancillary revenue per passenger increased from $5.87 in 2004 to $67.74 in 2022, highlighting significant growth in ancillary offerings[29]. - As of December 31, 2022, the company had $1.02 billion in unrestricted cash and total debt of $2.10 billion, resulting in a net debt of $1.08 billion[56]. - Fuel costs represented approximately 36.9% of total operating expenses in 2022, with the average cost per gallon increasing by 73.5% compared to 2021[150]. - Labor costs accounted for about 25.0% of total operating costs in 2022, making it the second largest expense line item[154]. - The company's debt and finance lease obligations totaled $2.10 billion as of December 31, 2022, which may adversely affect its financial condition and operational flexibility[184]. Growth and Expansion - The company has identified over 1,400 additional domestic routes for future expansion, with approximately 80% currently lacking nonstop service[23][28]. - The company expects to open the Sunseeker Resort in Southwest Florida in late 2023, expanding its travel offerings[17]. - The company is developing the Sunseeker Resort in Southwest Florida, with construction having resumed in August 2021 after a pandemic-related suspension[172]. - The company has a purchase agreement with Boeing for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered between 2023 and 2025[184]. - The company is seeking to implement a joint alliance with VivaAerobus, contingent on obtaining necessary government approvals[175]. Customer Experience and Marketing - Direct sales through the company's website accounted for 96% of scheduled service revenue in 2022, minimizing distribution costs[45]. - The company’s direct-to-customer distribution model allows for significant cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities through ancillary product sales[59]. - The company’s non-card loyalty program, Allways Rewards®, launched in August 2021, aims to increase customer loyalty and revenue through personalized promotions[64]. - The company is transforming its eCommerce strategy to enhance customer experience and drive ancillary revenue growth[23]. Environmental and Regulatory Factors - The company has implemented various fuel conservation practices and is researching sustainable aviation fuel options to further reduce its environmental impact[80]. - The company anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny regarding environmental impacts, with potential substantial effects on fleet and operating costs starting in 2023[130]. - The company is subject to various federal, state, and local laws regarding environmental protection, which may affect operational costs and compliance[127]. - Environmental regulations and climate change legislation may lead to increased operational costs, with a goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050[208][209]. Labor and Employee Relations - The company employed 5,315 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2022, including approximately 1,100 pilots and 1,750 flight attendants[86]. - Approximately 64.6% of the company's employees are represented by unions, which could lead to increased labor costs and potential disruptions[155]. - The company is engaged in collective bargaining for successor agreements with pilots and flight attendants, with mediation requested in January 2023[90][88]. - The company has not experienced any work interruptions or stoppages from its employee groups to date[91]. Challenges and Risks - The company may face increased costs due to challenges in hiring and retaining qualified personnel, including pilots and maintenance technicians[160]. - The impact of Hurricane Ian on travel demand to key leisure destinations remains uncertain, potentially affecting future passenger volumes[214]. - The company has made a decision not to purchase financial derivatives to hedge against fuel price increases, increasing vulnerability to fuel cost fluctuations[153]. - Increased federal excise taxes or government fees could reduce demand for air travel, impacting the company's load factors more than competitors[180]. Management and Governance - Recent management changes include a new CEO, president, CFO, and COO, raising concerns about future success compared to prior leadership[196]. - The company does not maintain key-man life insurance for its top executives, which could pose risks if key personnel leave[197]. - The company is involved in a joint application with VivaAerobus for an alliance agreement, pending DOT approval, which could impact market entry strategies[206].